Columbia Water

Important Updates

Rebuilding Structures in the Floodway: The City of Columbia Floodplain Ordinance does not specifically address rebuilding of an existing structure in the floodway. The City of Columbia will follow minimum FEMA standards allowing the reconstruction in the floodway within the existing footprint of the structure. The new structure or substantial improvement shall comply with all of the City of Columbia’s Floodplain Ordinance.

Stay Informed & Stay Safe

Columbia Water manages construction and significant improvements in its floodplains as part of its participation in FEMA‘s National Flood Insurance Program. Property owners can learn more about their flood risk and how to manage their flood insurance rates on this page. Additional questions can be answered by calling Columbia Water at +1 (803) 545-3400.

While some areas are more likely to flood, flooding can happen anywhere! Moderate-to-low risk areas still account for approximately 20% of NFIP claims and receive 1/3 of disaster assistance from flooding.

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is defined by FEMA as the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.

Anything built at or below BFE has at least a 1% chance of being flooded. Buildings set above BFE have a reduced chance of flooding. Buildings with an Elevation Certificate that shows the lowest finished floor is at or above BFE typically qualify for significant reductions in flood insurance premiums. The graphic below demonstrates how much a residential customer might save in their flood insurance premiums by building at or above BFE.

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is defined by FEMA as the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.

Anything built at or below BFE has at least a 1% chance of being flooded. Buildings set above BFE have a reduced chance of flooding. Buildings with an Elevation Certificate that shows the lowest finished floor is at or above BFE typically qualify for significant reductions in flood insurance premiums. The graphic below demonstrates how much a residential customer might save in their flood insurance premiums by building at or above BFE.